Course Overview

Dr. Heiner Fruehauf's master class on Chinese herbal medicine deepens the lifelong learner’s mastery of herbal prescribing by rooting their understanding in classical principles and practices. It accommodates the needs and interests of all levels, from students of Chinese medicine and newer practitioners to seasoned practitioners who are ever-refining their capacity to successfully treat any condition presented in the clinic. For each of eight major herb families, Heiner describes the energetic properties of the lead herb, common herb pairs, and the major herbal formulas. Case examples are presented to provide a clinical context for learning the indications for particular formulas within each family. With this base of knowledge, practitioners can stand on firm ground while being flexible in their ability to design herbal treatments that effectively treat the complex patterns manifesting in our increasingly out-of-balance world. In this introductory session, Heiner discusses the qi and wei of herbs as characterized in the Huangdi neijing and the Tangye jing, medicinal terroir (didao yaocai), the alchemical stability and directional momentum of Chinese herbs, the architecture of herbal formulas, and the art and science of paozhi (precise processing methods based on classical alchemical instructions). He introduces Tangye jing Group 1 (Phase Element Wood) with the acrid herb Guizhi. Guizhi Tang is introduced as the lead formula in this category; case examples are given.

Course Objectives

• Discuss the qi and wei of Chinese herbs, distinguishing between the wei of an herb as characterized in the Huangdi neijing versus the Tangye jing.
• Discuss the concepts of medicinal terroir (didao yaocai), chemical stability, and directional momentum as they relate to Chinese herbal medicine.
• Discuss the fundamental principles and methods of paozhi (herbal processing based on classical instructions).
• Describe the 4 major roles that herbs play within a Chinese herbal formula, and the major forms in which the formulas as administered.
• Discuss Guizhi Tang as the main representative of the Guizhi family of formulas.

Course Outline

0 hrs - 15 minIntroduction to this master class on Chinese herbal formulation. Includes Heiner's lineage background.

15 min - 45 minIntroduction to Chinese herbal formulation; how the course is organized based on classical principles. Includes a discussion of qi (temperature) and wei (flavor), including how wei is characterized in the Huangdi neijing and Tangye jing.

45 min - 1.25 hrsHeiner will discuss the concepts of medicinal terroir (didao yaocai), chemical stability, and directional momentum as they relate to Chinese herbal medicine. Classical quotations will be included.

1.25 hrs - 1.5 hrsPaozhi: methods, importance for clinical efficacy. Formula architecture (including titles and roles, dosages, and methods of administration).

1.5 hrs - 2 hrsThe energetic properties of Guizhi as a lead herb. Introduction to Guizhi Tang, including case examples.

2 hrs - 2.5 hrsHeiner will answer questions from the chat. Questions chosen will be those deemed most relevant for the whole group.

Course Overview

Dr. Heiner Fruehauf's master class on Chinese herbal medicine deepens the lifelong learner’s mastery of herbal prescribing by rooting their understanding in classical principles and practices. It accommodates the needs and interests of all levels, from students of Chinese medicine and newer practitioners to seasoned practitioners who are ever-refining their capacity to successfully treat any condition presented in the clinic. For each of eight major herb families, Heiner describes the energetic properties of the lead herb, common herb pairs, and the major herbal formulas. Case examples are presented to provide a clinical context for learning the indications for particular formulas within each family. With this base of knowledge, practitioners can stand on firm ground while being flexible in their ability to design herbal treatments that effectively treat the complex patterns manifesting in our increasingly out-of-balance world. In this second session devoted to the Guizhi formula family, Heiner further describes the energetic properties of Guizhi as a chief herb, and provides participants with a working knowledge of the qualities of and indications for the main herb pairings used to achieve specific targeted effects, including those of Guizhi with Mahuang, Shaoyao, Gegen and Fuling. The following formulas are discussed: Guizhi Tang, Gegen Tang, Guizhi Jia Gegen Tang, Xiao Qinglong Tang, Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang and Ling Gui Cao Zao Tang.

Course Objectives

• Describe the energetic properties and actions of Guizhi.
• Identify the common herb pairings made with Guizhi, and discuss the indications for, and the energetic properties and actions of each pairing.
• Discuss Guizhi Tang as the base formula in the Guizhi formula family.
• Discuss Guizhi family formulas that release the exterior in situations of wind-cold invasion.
• Discuss Guizhi family formulas that treat internal syndromes.

Course Outline

0 hrs - 30 minGuizhi in the classical materia medica. Guizhi Tang: Historical context, structure, dosages.

30 min - 1 hrsFurther discussion of Guizhi Tang. Includes indications, typical applications and multiple case examples.

1 hrs - 1.5 hrsGegen Tang and Guizhi Jia Gegen Tang: historical context, structure, dosages, indications, typical applications and case examples. Golden Pearls as an example of formula modification.

1.5 hrs - 2 hrsXiao Qinglong Tang, Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang and Ling Gui Cao Zao Tang: Historical context, structure, dosages, indications, typical applications and case examples. Introduction to Cinnamon Pearls as an example of formula modification.

2 hrs - 2.5 hrsQuestion and answer period. Heiner will answer the questions of greatest relevance to the group.

Course Overview

Dr. Heiner Fruehauf's master class on Chinese herbal medicine deepens the lifelong learner’s mastery of herbal prescribing by rooting their understanding in classical principles and practices. It accommodates the needs and interest of all levels, from students of Chinese medicine and newer practitioners to seasoned practitioners who are ever-refining their capacity to successfully treat any condition presented in the clinic. For each of eight major herb families, Heiner describes the energetic properties of the lead herb, common herb pairs, and the major herbal formulas. Case examples are presented to provide a clinical context for learning the indications for particular formulas within each family. With this base of knowledge, practitioners can stand on firm ground while being flexible in their ability to design herbal treatments that effectively treat the complex patterns manifesting in our increasingly out-of-balance world. In this third Guizhi session, Heiner includes formulas made with the common pairings of Guizhi with Shaoyao, Fuling, and Taoren. He provides clinical insights into the associated formulas that address internal syndromes, including a discussion of the therapeutic actions, indications, and clinical applications of Xiao Jianzhong Tang, Guizhi Jia Longgu Muli Tang, Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Tang, Wuling San and Guizhi Fuling Wan. Case studies are used to explain how to modify/combine formulas to address specific presenting patterns.

Course Objectives

• Discuss the main formulas within the Guizhi family, including the architecture of each formula with dosage considerations.
• Identify the main Guizhi family formulas that treat internal syndromes. Discuss the therapeutic principles and typical indications for and applications of these formulas.
• For a given patient presentation, be able to choose the most appropriate formula within the Guizhi family.
• Be able to suggest modifications to a Guizhi formula and/or formula combinations that achieve the desired therapeutic effect for a specific patient presentation.

Course Outline

0 hrs - 30 minGuizhi family formulas that treat internal syndromes, Part I. Includes Xiao Jianzhong Tang.

30 min - 1 hrsGuizhi family formulas that treat internal syndromes, Part I (con't). Includes Guizhi Jia Longgu Muli Tang and Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Tang.

1 hrs - 1.5 hrsGuizhi family formulas that treat internal syndromes, Part II. Includes Wuling San and Guizhi Fuling Wan.

1.5 hrs - 2 hrsGuizhi family formulas that treat internal syndromes, Part II (con't). Includes a discussion of the common herb pairings and the formula design principles for Bamboo Pearls.

2 hrs - 2.5 hrsQuestion and answer period. Heiner will answer the questions of the most relevance for the group.